More than twenty countries have issued a joint statement reaffirming Somalia's sovereignty and condemning the recent visit of Israel's foreign minister to Somaliland, a separatist region of Somalia. The statement, endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and called for Israel to revoke this recognition immediately. The nations warned that supporting secessionist agendas could worsen tensions in the region and praised Somalia's commitment to peaceful international relations and adherence to international law. The controversy follows Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland and discussions about advancing bilateral relations, while Somaliland has denied that this recognition would allow for Israeli military bases or the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza.